Amazing bread pudding filled with coconut flavors throughout. This bread pudding also has a creamy coconut cheesecake filling. Note*: prepare bread 24 hours in advance.
Start by preparing bread at least 24 hours ahead. Bread needs to get stale first.
Cutting the baguette into small cubes. Spread bread cubes evenly in a large rimmed baking sheet. Try not to crowd the bread much so it will harden evenly.
Let bread get stale and harden for about a day. (You can even leave it for 2 days.)
Bread Pudding:
Preheat oven to 375 and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, melted butter, cream of coconut, milk, and sugar. Whisk well and set aside.
In another mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and cream of coconut. Beat with a mixer for a couple of minutes, until soft and smooth.
Place cheesecake mixture into a piping bag (or a zip-lock bag). It will be easier to spread the cheesecake over bread using a bag.
Spread half of the bread in the casserole dish. Squeeze cheesecake mixture all over the bread, try to cover everything evenly.
Spread remaining bread over the top of the cheesecake mixture.
Slowly pour the egg mixture all over the bread. Press down on bread all over, to ensure that the eggs is spread evenly all over the dish and bread is soaked.
Spread the coconut flakes over the top and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Note: If you notice that coconut flakes are getting too dark on the top, cover the top of the bread pudding with a sheet of foil, press it gently, and continue baking.